Normal Weight Range for Women

Body weight is probably the most common concern of women today for reasons relating to both health and appearance. With the media's emphasis on stick-thin celebrities, it is easy to forget that not everyone is meant to be a size 0. Rather, it is more important to determine a healthy weight range and stay within that range.

Weight and Health

A normal weight is important as a sign of overall health. Underweight women are at risk of amenorrhea (lack of menstruation), infertility, anemia, bone loss and nutrient deficiency. Overweight women are at risk of heart problems, several types of cancer, diabetes, arthritis and several other ailments.

Weight Variations

Normal weights are given in a range because weight fluctuates throughout each day and, for women, each month. Further, women of similar heights and body types may have different body weights because one may have more or less muscle or fat than another.

Height and Weight Tables

For decades, doctors have relied on height and weight tables created by the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. Separate charts are available for men and women and each shows weight ranges for small, medium and large frames. While these charts are useful for general information, many people have difficulty determining their frame size, which is determined by measuring elbow breadth for these tables.

In addition, men and women are taller now than in former generations and the charts, last revised in 1999, show "impossibly low weights" for tall people, according to Dr. Steven B. Halls, M.D.

BMI

One way to determine whether you are in a healthy weight range is to measure your Body Mass Index (BMI). The BMI is the ratio between weight and height. A normal BMI should be between 19 and 24.9. Below 19 is considered underweight while a BMI between 24.9 and 29.9 is considered overweight. A BMI above 29.9 is considered obese.

Waist Circumference

In addition to weight and BMI, medical professionals also consider waist circumference. According to the National Institutes of Health, women with a waist larger than 35 inches around have an increased risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.

Considerations

Measure height and weight at a doctor's office for the most accurate results. Consult a doctor before making any changes in your diet, especially if you have a chronic condition, such as diabetes or heart disease.